PRESS BOX.

Defensive coordinator pays for Broncos' collapse

January 10, 2007|By Tribune news services.

The Denver Broncos fired defensive coordinator Larry Coyer on Tuesday, nine days after a once-promising season sputtered to a close with five losses in seven games. Coyer's defense started this season by becoming the first in 64 years to not allow a touchdown over the first 11 quarters. But the team finished only 9-7.

- Although Pete Carroll says he's committed to staying at USC, he said he's intrigued by the philosophy of Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, with whom he met over the weekend. "It's a one-voice program. I don't think there are any other situations like that in the NFL," Carroll said.

- Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn sat out significant portions of the Saints' practice Tuesday, still bothered by the groin injury that caused him to miss the last four games of the regular season. He's questionable for Saturday's game against the Eagles.

- USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett will announce Wednesday that he is entering the NFL draft, two sources said. . . . Arizona State tight end Zach Miller and Louisville running back Mike Bush said they will skip their senior seasons and enter the NFL draft.